Applying to Law School
What Do Law Schools Look For?
Law schools are looking for well-rounded individuals who are highly motivated to study law. They will pay particular attention to:
- GPA
- LSAT score
- Undergraduate curriculum
- Graduate work, if any
- Improvement in grades and grade distribution
- Difficulties you have overcome
- Extracurricular activities
- Community volunteerism
- Letters of recommendation (link to reference letter center)
- Personal statement (link to generic personal statement page)
- Work experience
- State of residency
- Writing skills
LSDAS Centralized Application
Almost all ABA-approved law schools and several non-ABA-approved schools require that their applicants register for the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS). The Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) administers LSDAS, as well as the LSAT.
Dean's Certification Forms:
While all law schools do not require a Dean's Certification Form, keep in mind that these forms should be submitted before the application deadline. To submit a form, provide a copy of the form along with a short letter indicating where it is to be sent with your name and student identification number to the Pre-Law Advisor at the address below. You must provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the law school.
Asst. Dean Consuelo López Springfield
B17 Bascom Hall
500 Lincoln Drive
Madison, WI 53706